Harold Volkmer: “I rise today, the 126th day of the imperial speakership, to protest the proposed Gingrich Republican budget plan. This…”

“I rise today, the 126th day of the imperial speakership, to protest the proposed Gingrich Republican budget plan. This plan would cut Medicare and Medicaid Programs by over $400 billion so that the wealthy can have a tax break. Two months ago, Mr. Speaker, the Gingrich Republicans voted to cut benefits for children in the School Lunch Program. Then they attacked the Student Loan Program. Now it is the elderly through cuts in Medicare and Social Security. The Republicans have stated time and time again they would not touch the Social Security system, but their proposed fiscal year 1996 budget would decrease cost-of-living increases for Social Security recipients. There is no reason that we should be making these cuts that will hurt the elderly, the young, and those hoping to lead our country during the next century, our college students, so that those making over $200,000 a year can be given a big tax break. That is right. Those 1 million fortunate Americans who make over $200,000 a year will be getting a $20,000 tax break while 37 million seniors are losing $900 a year.”